Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D)
On arrival at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, we will be welcomed by our guide and transfer to the hotel to check in.
In the late afternoon, we will take a private car to drive to Baaza Land, which is around 20 KM away from the city center to enjoy Tonkin Show.
Daily operated (except Tuesday), The Quintessence of Tonkin Show is one of the most interesting shows in Hanoi at this stage. The Show lasts from 7.30 PM to 8.30 PM and draws inspiration from the spiritual history of the nearby Thay Pagoda telling the story of the pagoda’s founding by venerable monk Tu Dao Hanh, and explains the ancient union between religion and the monarchy. Years in the making and with hundreds of performers, an interactive stage, state-of-the-art technology, and a stunning setting, this live spectacle is an unmissable highlight of any trip to Hanoi. Dinner will be in the area in a nice building.

 

 

Hotel: Sofitel Metropole Hotel – Luxury room
Dinner: The Garlik Restaurant in Baaza Land (Set menu)
Distance from Noi Bai Airport to City Centre: 30 KM – a 50-minute drive
Distance from City Centre to Baaza Land: 20 KM – a 35-minute drive
Tonkin show: 1 hour (not included dinner time)

Day 2: Hanoi – Pu Luong – Water Wheels walk & rafting (L, D)
Pick up at the hotel in Hanoi, we will take 150 Km drive to Pu Luong. The drive will be around 4 hours passing through the picturesque landscape and breath-taking panoramic view of the whole valley. Arrive in Pu Luong at around noon, we check in and lunch in pleasant surroundings with captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting.

 

 

In the afternoon, we will be transferred to a Suspension bridge over Cham River where we will start our walk in search of stunning water wheels and understand how this work. Stop by a local fisherman’s house, we will have a short rest to gear up for a rafting adventure down the river. Float along the calm river and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the banks. Arrive at Tan Lap Bridge, we disembark and have a vehicle to transfer us back to Pu Luong Retreat for dinner.

 

 

Hotel in Pu Luong: Pu Luong Retreat – Luxury Bungalow
Lunch and Dinner at Pu Luong Retreat (Set menu)
Distance from Hanoi to Pu Luong: 150 KM, 4-hour drive
Activities: 2.5 Km easy walking (1.5 hours)/ 2 Km rafting (1.5 hours)

Day 3: Pu Luong: Walking & Trekking (B, L, D)
After breakfast at the hotel, we start walking into the beautiful valley facing our resort. Continue through the small paths, we walk to a picturesque village sitting at the base of a towering mountain. Weave between roads and farmlands, villages and wild fields, mountain and land, ponds and rivers, we will trek to a beautiful spot to enjoy our picnic lunch.
After lunch, we will be free to swim in the refreshing water in the nearby river before getting on our Tuk-tuk and move back to the retreat. We spend the second night in Pu Luong Retreat.
Hotel in Pu Luong: Pu Luong Retreat – Luxury Bungalow
Lunch and Dinner at Pu Luong Retreat (Set menu)
Activities: 6 KM trekking (3 hours) & 6 KM combine with biking (3 hours)

 

 

Day 4: Pu Luong: Village Life & the Community – Hanoi (B, L, D)
Get up early in the morning and have a chance to get closer to the village’s life and its community by interacting with the locals living on the hill above the Retreat. Walk around the farmland and rice fields, talk with the local and if you wish, help them in their daily work, learn how to make rice wine and weaving colorful textiles.
Back to the Retreat in good time for lunch, we will then get in our private car and drive back to Hanoi. Dinner at restaurant and overnight at hotel.
Hotel: Sofitel Metropole Hotel – Luxury room
Lunch: at Pu Luong Retreat (Set menu)
Dinner: Ngon Villa (Set menu)
Activities: 3 Km easy walking (2 hours)

 

 

Day 5: Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay (B, L, D)
8.00: Pickup at your hotel and transfer to Halong Bay via Express Way
12.00: Upon arrival at Emperor Cruises, located at Hon Gai dock, our team will welcome you in our lounge before boarding.
12.30: Our Experiences Manager will assist you with boarding to start cruising in Bai Tu Long Bay.
Check in to your cabin as we set sail from Vinashin dock to cruise among the many beautiful islets (scenes from the film ‘Indochine’ were filmed here). Bai Tu Long Bay has a wild beauty and the panoramas from the boat are unforgettable.
13.00: A set menu lunch will be served at our Can Chanh Restaurant on the main deck. Savor delicious Vietnamese food while admiring the grace of the bay.

 

 

15.30: Explore the area of Hon Co Island and Co Cave (Grass Cave, also known as Thien Canh Son). You can revel in the breathtaking view of Bai Tu Long bay from up high, as well as the glorious long white-sand beach of Hon Co Island. Afterward relax on the beach, go swimming in the crystal clear water and explore the cave.
16.30: Return to the cruise by small boat
16.30: Proceed to Vung Vieng floating village to board bamboo boats so the locals can row you around their village and oyster pearl farming plots. Return to the boat by speedboat.
17.20: Choose from kayaking, taking massage, just relaxing or taking afternoon tea and watching the sky color change as the sun sets.
18.15: Attend our chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking (making spring rolls) in a truly stunning setting.
19.00: Enjoy our a la carte course menu for dinner on board as you experience the charm of Bai Tu Long Bay at night.
21.00: Evening activities: enjoy our Movie Night, Board Games or our Massage and Spa services or even go squid fishing. Overnight on board Emperor Cruises.

 

 

Optional: You can consider one-way flight Hanoi – Halong Bay with Hai Au Seaplane, the flight takes around 1 hour each way with the spectacular view of the Bay from the height.
Cruise: Emperor Cruise Halong Bay
(The Emperor Cruise was inspired by the lavish lifestyle of Emperor Bao Dai, Vietnam’s last monarch. Built in the style of the 1930’s, each suite features interesting stories of his life. There are 8 en-suite cabins with a private balcony, ocean views, a butler service and a limousine. Cruising artfully, Emperor Cruises aims to bring a truly all-inclusive cruising experience, enjoying every single moment on board, where you are treated like kings and queens with exquisite cuisine, 24-hour room service and an interesting itinerary featuring many fun activities. )
Distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay: 175 KM – 3.5-hour drive via Express Way
Lunch and Dinner on Emperor Cruise (Set Menu)

 

 

Day 6: Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi (Bunch, D)
6.30- 7.45 Wake up to the gentle lapping of the water against the boat and as the first rays of the sun announce a new day. Before enjoying breakfast have cookies and tea and then try the Vovinam session on the sundeck as the sun rises over Bai Tu Long Bay
7.45- 8.45 Visit Vung Vieng fishing village, the famous pearl-growing village, to view the fishing tanks of the local people.
Proceed to Vung Vieng floating village to board bamboo boats so the locals can row you around their village and oyster pearl farming plots. Return to the mother boat by speedboat/tender.

 

8.45 Return to the cruise by small boat
9.15 Arrange the luggage and check out.
9.30-10.30 Enjoy brunch on board while cruising back to the mainland.
11.15 Arrive back at Emperor Cruises dock, Halong City for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back to Hanoi.
Hotel: Sofitel Metropole Hotel – Luxury room
Dinner: Ly Club Restaurant (Set menu)

Day 7: Hanoi Departure (B)
Time will be free until our car arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in good time to board our departure flight. Trip ends.